But he was traced to a nearby massage parlour where he had managed to sneak into a room unnoticed.

He was found naked, performing a sex act and covered in lubricant, police said.

The bizarre incident unfolded on Portland Street in Manchester city centre(Image: Google Streetview)

Sgt Jon Kenna, from GMP’s City Centre team, says the man currently remains in custody for questioning.

He said: “We took a call from the manager of a restaurant on Portland Street at around 11pm saying that there was a male stood in the middle of the female toilets with his trousers down masturbating.

“When the manager initially asked him to leave he refused, which is why police were called.

“By the time officers arrived, the male had made off to a nearby massage parlour but staff had no idea he was in there. He had let himself into a room and was discovered by officers naked, masturbating and covered in lubricant.

“He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of indecent exposure and remains in police custody.”

GMP City Centre also tweeted the incident saying: “Male reported to be masturbating in female toilets of restaurant. Officers located &amp; arrested male in nearby massage parlour mid solo act!”